A TEENAGER was discharged from hospital minutes before he was due to have a major operation because staff could not find the surgical equipment.

Jonathan Ibbs, aged 18, had been medicated, dressed in a surgery gown and even had marker pen guidelines drawn on his face ahead of his 13th ear operation, last week.

But minutes before surgery was scheduled to start, a nurse at the University Hospital of North Staffordshire told him the surgical drill needed for the op had gone missing.

Jonathan, who lives with his parents in Finstock Avenue, Hem Heath, said: "I was gobsmacked. I didn't know what to say. I'd had nothing to eat since the night before and I was ready to get it over with.

"For a moment I actually thought she was having a laugh with me. I thought about asking her if it was April 1st instead of Friday 13th."

Jonathan, who works in food preparation, has suffered impaired hearing since birth. He wears a hearing aid in his left ear, but he is deaf in his right ear because it is 'bone-lined'.

The operation is the last in a series of treatments and it is hoped it will give him partial hearing by drilling through the bone lining.

Parents Harold and Michaela Ibbs had booked a week off work to care for Jonathan after his operation. Mr Ibbs said his wife was unable to cancel her leave.

He said: "I got a call at about 11.40am asking for me to come and pick him up because the operation was cancelled.

"My wife works at a small butchers and has had to lose out on that week for no reason.

"I was shocked to be completely honest. I'm very lucky that I have an understanding boss."

Mr Ibbs, a delivery driver, believes the hospital should be held to account.

He added: "If I didn't do my job properly I'd get the sack. I have to check over my van before I leave, and surely the consultant should be responsible for all of his equipment."

The hospital has told Jonathan that the operation will take place within 28 days of the last-minute cancellation, but he is yet to receive a date.

A spokesman for the hospital said: "Staff at University Hospital are sorry Mr Ibbs's operation had to be cancelled at short notice, because an essential piece of equipment was not available. We know how distressing it can be for patients to have their surgery postponed at short notice and Mr Ibbs's surgeon explained the reason and apologised to him and his family at the time. Staff have spoken to the family during the week and will be offering Mr Ibbs another appointment within 28 days of the original date."